Mesa business Longevity Meats is participating in a tribute to first responders 5-7 p.m. Sept. 11 in the plaza at 300 W. Apache Trail in Apache Junction.

Although held later than usual, the tribute is part of the monthly First Friday event hosted by The Treasure Box Boutique and sponsored by other stores in the plaza and a variety of independent vendors, according to a release.

“This month’s event will occur on the second Friday of September instead of the usual eponymous First Friday so as to bring together the community in saluting first responders brought to national attention during the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and in subsequent years for their service to our country and communities,” the release states.

Supporting local small businesses, First Friday brings together vendors and the public in a fun, family-friendly event that features food trucks, local stores and a raffle, a classic car show, and many other activities.

As one of the established vendors of the First Friday event, Longevity Meats provides entertainment, music, lights, dancing in the plaza, fun contests and steak giveaways, the release states.

“We are always excited to sponsor the First Friday event and especially this month’s tribute to 9/11 first responders on the second Friday of the month,” Lisa Jones, events director for Longevity Meats, said in the release. “During these times, it’s important to come together in a safe outdoor environment that can offer the chance to not only pay tribute to our first responders but also support local small businesses in a fun atmosphere of community involvement and activities.”

Each First Friday event features a raffle to support a nonprofit organization, and this month’s event will support Operation Shockwave, empowering military veterans to overcome adversity.

About Longevity Meats

Longevity Meats supports local farming and food enterprises. The Mesa business has a storefront at 1552 E. Main St., online ordering or subscriptions. Several nonprofit organizations are supported by Longevity Meats through the Longevity Charity Foundation.

Longevity Meats is the trade name identity for locally sourced, healthful meat from Longevity Life Pack LLC, from grass-fed, grass-finished beef to locally farmed chicken and Baja shrimp.

Follow Longevity Meats on Facebook @longevitymeats and Instagram. Go to longevitymeats.com.